A Muslim from Saudi Arabia was arrested for planning to use homemade improvised explosive devices (IED) to launch terror attacks in Texas. Why is it important to mention he is a Muslim? Because he, himself, makes clear that religion was a motive:

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, 20, a citizen of Saudi Arabia and resident of Lubbock, Texas, was arrested late yesterday by FBI agents in Texas on a federal charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction in connection with his alleged purchase of chemicals and equipment necessary to make an improvised explosive device (IED) and his research of potential U.S. targets.

(…)

FBI agents also found a notebook at Aldawsari’s residence that appeared to be a diary or journal. According to the affidavit, excerpts from the journal indicate that Aldawsari had been planning to commit a terrorist attack in the United States for years. One entry describes how Aldawsari sought and obtained a particular scholarship because it allowed him to come directly to the United State and helped him financially, which he said “will help tremendously in providing me with the support I need for Jihad.” The entry continues: “And now, after mastering the English language, learning how to build explosives and continuous planning to target the infidel Americans, it is time for Jihad.”

Emphasis added.

Among his potential targets was, apparently, former President George W. Bush:

Aldawsari conducted research on various targets and e-mailed himself information on these locations and people, the Justice Department said.

On February 6, the affidavit alleges, Aldawsari sent himself an email titled “Tyrant’s House,” in which he listed the Dallas address for former President George W. Bush, investigators said.

Aldawsari claimed he had been inspired by the speeches of Osama bin Laden. Nice mentor. Of course, it can be argued that this young man and bin Laden (and millions of others) misunderstand Islam’s peaceful message. You know, as in verse 5, chapter 9 of the Qur’an:

But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

While Christians and Jews are technically “People of the Book” and not pagans, it’s really a distinction without a difference in practice. And many, many other verses in the Qur’an and the hadiths (sayings of Muhammad and his companions), as well in commentary by highly regarded Islamic scholars down through the centuries all carry the same message: